Antiaging Atlanta

Current controversies in testosterone testing: aging and obesity.

Elin RJ - Clin Lab Med - 01-MAR-2004; 24(1): 119-39
From NIH/NLM MEDLINE NLM Citation ID:
15157560 (PubMed)Full Source Title:Clinics in Laboratory MedicinePublication Type:
Journal Article; ReviewLanguage:
EnglishAuthor Affiliation:
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 512 South Hancock Street, #203, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. rjelin01@gwise.louisville.eduAuthors:
Elin RJ; Winters SJNumber of References:
96Abstract:
The interpretation of the total serum testosterone concentration is problematic because it is related directly to the serum SHBG concentration.Frequently, an estimate of the serum free testosterone concentration is obtained to better assess the clinical status of the patient. We reviewed five methods for the determination of free testosterone or a surrogate test/index and the problems with these methods. The calculated free testosterone or BAT (highly positively correlated) are recommended as the preferred tests to assess biologically-active testosterone, although interlaboratory values may differ because standards are not available. The controversies in evaluating gonadal function are illustrated by the andropause (elevated SHBG) and obese men (decreased SHBG).Major Subjects: